Tony Stewart will not race at Plymouth Speedway on Aug. 16, the speedway announced Monday. (Mike McCarn, The Associated Press)

“We at Plymouth Speedway extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the family of Kevin Ward, Jr. and thoughts and prayers to Tony Stewart and his family,” Plymouth Speedway officials posted on its site. “Tony Stewart will NOT be racing at Plymouth Speedway this Saturday. More information on the weekend’s racing will be announced this week.”

During a dirt track race in upstate New York on Saturday, Stewart and hit and killed 20-year-old driver Kevin Ward Jr. No criminal charges are pending against Stewart, the Ontario County, N.Y., sheriff said Sunday, but the fatal accident could have legal and financial ramifications for Stewart as the investigation continues and more details of the tragic accident emerge.

Ward’s family, however, faces a more trying future in mourning his loss. Ward’s parents were in stands at at Canandaigua Motorsports Park during Saturday’s race and issued a statement Sunday afternoon, thanking the community for its support but asking for privacy while they grieve.

Many fellow drivers, as well as writers, fans and even celebrities offered their condolences online, while raising questions about NASCAR’s safety and Stewart’s future as a driver. Read more…